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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:Varjo xr-41.png|350px]]
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Subtype = PC VR (Professional)
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Platform = [[PC]], [[SteamVR]]
|Creator =
|Creator = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Announced = 2021
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release = 2021
|Announcement Date = November 27, 2023
|Price = $1,990
|Release Date = November 2023
|Price = $3,990 (XR-4 Standard Edition, no subscription)
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Versions = XR-4, XR-4 Focal Edition, XR-4 Secure Edition
|OS = Windows 10/11
|Requires = High-end PC
|CPU = Host PC dependent
|Predecessor = [[Varjo XR-3]]
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 2060+ (min) / RTX 3070+ (rec)
|Successor = ?????
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Chipset =
|CPU =
|GPU =
|HPU =
|Storage =
|Storage =
|Memory =
|RAM = 8 GB+ (min) / 16 GB+ (rec)
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual Mini LED LCD
|Display = Mini-LED
|Resolution = 5760 x 2720 (2880 x 2720 per eye)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|Peak Brightness = 200 nits
|Brightness = 150 nits (calibrated)
|Resolution = 3840×3744 per eye
|FOV = 115°
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz (120 Hz experimental)
|PPD = 35
|Pixel Density = 51 PPD
|Lenses = Variable resolution aspheric
|Persistence = Low persistence
|IPD = Automatic (eye tracking)
|Precision = Sub-pixel precision
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200 Hz)
|Field of View = 120° × 105° (H×V)
|Hand Tracking =
|Horizontal FoV = 120°
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR base stations)
|Vertical FoV = 105°
|Spatial Mapping =
|Visible FoV = 120° × 105°
|Speakers =
|Rendered FoV = 120° × 105°
|Microphone = Yes
|Binocular Overlap = 105°
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Average Pixel Density = 51 PPD
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
|Peak Pixel Density = 51 PPD
|Ports = DisplayPort, USB, audio
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (dynamic)
|Battery =
|Optics = Dual-element aspheric lenses
|Weight = ~500g
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Materials = Premium construction
|IPD Range = 55-75mm (automatic adjustment)
|Colors = Black
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Sensors = Eye tracking cameras
|Passthrough = Yes (20MP cameras + 300k LiDAR)
|Input = SteamVR controllers
|Tracking = Inside-out (4 cameras)
|Tracking Frequency = 200 Hz
|Base Stations = Not required (optional support)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200Hz)
|Face Tracking =
|Hand Tracking = Yes (integrated)
|Body Tracking =
|Rotational Tracking = 6DOF
|Positional Tracking = 6DOF
|Update Rate = 200 Hz
|Tracking Volume = 7m radius
|Play Space = Room-scale
|Latency = ~22ms (passthrough), less than 15ms (VR)
|Audio = DTS 3D spatial audio headphones
|Microphone = Dual noise-cancelling
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 2× 20MP RGB, 1× 300k LiDAR sensor
|Connectivity = USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 compatible)
|Ports = 1× USB-C
|Wired Video = USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
|Wireless Video =
|WiFi =
|Bluetooth =
|Power = USB-C Power Delivery
|Battery Capacity =
|Battery Life =
|Charge Time =
|Dimensions = 280mm × 140mm × 120mm
|Weight = 665g (headset only), 1021g (complete)
|Material = Carbon fiber composite, magnesium
|Headstrap = FlexFit ergonomic system
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black with carbon fiber accents
|Sensors = 200Hz eye tracking, 9-axis IMU, ambient light sensor
|Input = Hand tracking, SteamVR controllers
|Compliance = CE, FCC, IC, UKCA, TAA (Secure Edition)
|Size = Adjustable (S/M/L cushions)
|Cable Length = 5 meters (16.4 ft)
}}
}}
The [[Varjo XR-4]] is a professional [[PC-Powered VR|PC-powered]] [[mixed reality]] and [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] announced on November 27, 2023, by [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]].<ref name="varjo-xr4-product" /> Representing the fourth generation of Varjo's mixed reality technology, the XR-4 series eliminated subscription requirements, introduced inside-out tracking as standard, and offered professional-grade specifications at a revised price point for its class.<ref name="varjo-announcement" />
==History==
The XR-4 development began in 2022 following feedback from [[Varjo XR-3]] customers and success of the subscription-free [[Varjo Aero]]. Key development goals included democratizing professional mixed reality, aiming for high visual fidelity in both virtual and passthrough modes, and eliminating external tracking requirements.<ref name="cnbc" />
===Major Improvements over XR-3===
*51 PPD uniform resolution (vs dual-display system)
*20-megapixel [[passthrough cameras]] (vs 12MP)
*[[Inside-out tracking]] standard (vs external base stations)
*Significant price reduction for the standard model with no subscription
*Passthrough resolution of 33 PPD (Standard Edition) or 51 PPD (Focal Edition)


==Technical Specifications==
The '''Varjo Aero''' is a professional-grade PC VR [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], a Finnish company specializing in high-end XR hardware. Released in 2021 at $1,990 (subsequently discontinued in favor of the XR-4 series), the Aero brought Varjo's professional-grade visual fidelity to a broader audience with 2880 x 2720 resolution per eye on Mini LED LCD panels achieving 35 pixels per degree peak fidelity. The headset features variable resolution aspheric lenses for edge-to-edge clarity, 200 Hz eye tracking for automatic IPD adjustment and foveated rendering, 115-degree field of view, and calibrated color accuracy covering 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3. The Aero requires SteamVR base stations for tracking.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products/aero|title=Varjo Aero|publisher=Varjo}}</ref>
===Display Technology===
The XR-4 uses advanced Mini-LED panels:
*'''Resolution''': 3840×3744 per eye (14.8 megapixels total)
*'''Pixel Density''': 51 pixels per degree (uniform)
*'''Panel Type''': Fast-switching Mini-LED with local dimming
*'''Brightness''': 200 nits sustained
*'''Contrast''': 10,000:1 with local dimming
*'''Color Gamut''': 96% DCI-P3, 98% sRGB


===Mixed Reality Cameras===
== History and Development ==
High-resolution passthrough system:
*'''RGB Cameras''': Dual 20-megapixel global shutter sensors
*'''Passthrough Resolution''': 33 PPD (XR-4 Standard Edition), 51 PPD (XR-4 Focal Edition, matching virtual content)
*'''Frame Rate''': 90 fps with ~22ms latency
*'''Dynamic Range''': 14 stops with HDR processing
*'''Low Light''': ISO 25,600 equivalent sensitivity


===LiDAR Depth System===
=== Professional Heritage ===
Enhanced from XR-3:
Varjo brought technology from their enterprise VR-3 and XR-3 headsets to a prosumer price point.
*'''Resolution''': 300,000 points (300 kpix)
*'''Range''': 0.2m to 7m (extended from 5m)
*'''Accuracy''': ±2mm at 1m distance
*'''Frame Rate''': 30 fps depth updates (Note: some sources may vary)
*'''Coverage''': 94° × 78° depth sensing FOV


==Breakthrough Features==
=== 2021 Release ===
===Gaze-Driven Autofocus (Focal Edition)===
Released as Varjo's first headset targeting professional consumers and sim enthusiasts.
World's first XR autofocus system:<ref name="varjo-autofocus" />
*'''Technology''': Liquid lens with 200Hz response
*'''Focus Range''': 20cm to infinity
*'''Eye-Coupled''': Focus follows gaze automatically
*'''Latency''': <5ms focus adjustment
*'''Applications''': Aims to solve vergence-accommodation conflict


===[[Inside-Out Tracking]]===
=== Discontinuation ===
Professional-grade markerless tracking:
Varjo Aero has been discontinued in favor of the XR-4 series.
*'''Cameras''': 4× wide-angle tracking sensors
*'''Algorithm''': Advanced SLAM with ML enhancement
*'''Accuracy''': Sub-millimeter precision
*'''Range''': 7-meter radius tracking volume
*'''Persistence''': Remembers room layout


===Integrated Hand Tracking===
== Design and Hardware ==
Built-in hand interaction:
*'''Technology''': Computer vision with neural networks
*'''Fingers Tracked''': All 10 fingers with 21 points each
*'''Latency''': 11ms hand-to-photon
*'''Gestures''': Library of standard XR interactions
*'''SDK''': Direct hand data access for developers


==Software Ecosystem==
=== Display System ===
===No Subscription Model===
* '''Panel Type:''' Dual Mini LED LCD
Following Aero's success:
* '''Resolution:''' 2880 x 2720 per eye (5760 x 2720 total)
*'''One-Time Purchase''': Starting at $3,990 for XR-4 Standard Edition
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 90 Hz
*'''All Features Included''': No feature tiers within an edition
* '''Brightness:''' 150 nits (calibrated)
*'''Free Updates''': Lifetime software support
* '''PPD:''' 35 pixels per degree peak
*'''Professional Tools''': Full SDK access


===Varjo Controller Software===
=== Color Calibration ===
New unified control system:
* '''sRGB:''' 99% coverage
*'''Device Management''': Configure all settings
* '''DCI-P3:''' 95% coverage
*'''Performance Monitoring''': Real-time diagnostics
* Factory color calibration
*'''User Profiles''': Save multiple configurations
*'''Cloud Sync''': Settings backup and restore


===Development Support===
=== Field of View ===
*'''[[Unity]] Plugin''': Native XR-4 features
115 degrees horizontal.
*'''[[Unreal Engine]] 5''': Full integration with Nanite/Lumen
*'''[[OpenXR]] Extensions''': Varjo-specific features
*'''[[NVIDIA Omniverse]]''': RTX rendering support


==Variants==
=== Optics ===
===XR-4 Standard Edition===
* '''Type:''' Variable resolution aspheric lenses
Base professional model:
* '''Advantage:''' Crystal-clear edge-to-edge clarity
*All core features
* '''Comparison:''' Major improvement over consumer Fresnel optics
*20MP passthrough (33 PPD)
*300k LiDAR
*$3,990


===[[XR-4 Focal Edition]]===
== Eye Tracking ==
With gaze-driven autofocus:
*All Standard features plus:
*Liquid lens autofocus system
*20MP passthrough (51 PPD)
*Enhanced eye tracking data
*$9,990
===[[XR-4 Secure Edition]]===
Government/Defense variant:<ref name="varjo-secure" />
*[[TAA]]/[[BAA]] compliant
*Secure boot process
*Offline operation mode
*Manufactured in secure facility
*ITAR-free for international use


==System Requirements==
=== Specifications ===
===Minimum Specifications===
* '''Tracking Rate:''' 200 Hz
*'''OS''': Windows 10 version 20H2 or Windows 11
* '''Integration:''' Ultra-fast built-in system
*'''CPU''': Intel Core i9-11900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (or comparable)
*'''GPU''': NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, RTX 3080, RTX 2080 Ti, or NVIDIA RTX A5000 (or comparable AMD GPU)
*'''RAM''': 32 GB DDR4-3200
*'''Storage''': 1 TB NVMe SSD
*'''USB''': Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C with DP Alt Mode
===Recommended Specifications===
*'''CPU''': Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
*'''GPU''': NVIDIA RTX 4090 or RTX 6000 Ada
*'''RAM''': 64 GB DDR5
*'''Storage''': 2 TB NVMe Gen4 SSD


==Industry Applications==
=== Features ===
===Automotive Industry===
* Automatic IPD adjustment
Enhanced design validation:
* Dynamic foveated rendering
*'''[[BMW Group]]''': Full vehicle design in MR
* Application performance optimization
*'''[[Stellantis]]''': Global design collaboration
* Gaze-based interaction
*'''[[Rimac Automobili]]''': Hypercar development
*'''[[Polestar]]''': Sustainable material visualization


Use cases:
== Tracking ==
*Design reviews with physical clay models
*Ergonomics testing with real drivers
*HMI development and testing
*Virtual showrooms with real products
===Healthcare and Medical===
*'''[[Cleveland Clinic]]''': Surgical planning in MR
*'''[[Karolinska Institute]]''': Medical education
*'''[[Brainlab]]''': Image-guided surgery
*'''[[Siemens Healthineers]]''': MRI/CT visualization


Applications:
=== SteamVR Tracking ===
*Pre-operative planning with patient data
* Requires SteamVR Base Stations (2.0 recommended, 1.0 supported)
*Medical device training
* 6 degrees of freedom
*Anatomy education with cadavers
* External outside-in tracking
*Rehabilitation therapy


===Architecture and Construction===
=== Controllers ===
*'''[[Zaha Hadid Architects]]''': Parametric design review
* Not included
*'''[[AECOM]]''': Infrastructure visualization
* Compatible with SteamVR controllers (Index, Vive)
*'''[[Trimble]]''': BIM integration
*'''[[Autodesk]]''': Native Revit support


===Defense and Aerospace===
== Comfort ==
*'''[[Lockheed Martin]]''': F-35 maintenance
*'''[[Saab]]''': Gripen pilot training
*'''[[BAE Systems]]''': Ship design review
*'''Various contractors''': Classified programs


==Market Reception==
=== Design Features ===
===Launch Impact===
* Premium lightweight construction
The XR-4 announcement generated significant attention<ref name="skarredghost" />:
* 3-point precision fit headband
*'''Price Point''': $3,990 for the standard edition was a notable reduction from the previous XR-3.
* Active cooling system
*'''No Subscription''': Praised by enterprise customers.
* Optimized ergonomics for extended use
*'''Feature Set''': Considered comprehensive for its price in the professional market.
*'''Availability''': Global launch in 40+ countries.<ref name="auganix" />


===Critical Response===
=== Weight ===
Professional reviews were generally positive, highlighting advancements:
Approximately 500 grams with balanced distribution.
*'''[[Road to VR]]''': "The XR-4 redefines what's possible in mixed reality"
*'''[[UploadVR]]''': "Professional MR at prosumer pricing" (Note: "prosumer pricing" is relative to the high-end professional market)
*'''[[VRFocus]]''': "Inside-out tracking rivals base station precision"


====Common Praise====
== System Requirements ==
*Passthrough quality is a key focus, with Varjo aiming for experiences "indistinguishable from natural sight," though user experiences may vary.
*Autofocus system (Focal Edition) "game-changing" for MR.
*Price/performance ratio considered strong for the professional segment.
*Ergonomics significantly improved.


====Criticisms====
{| class="wikitable"
*High PC requirements remain.
|-
*No wireless option at launch.
! Component !! Minimum !! Recommended
*Hand tracking, while improved, may occasionally lose precision.
|-
*Passthrough quality, while high, may not always meet the "indistinguishable from reality" claim under all conditions, according to some hands-on reviews.
| OS || Windows 10 || Windows 10/11
*Limited battery for future standalone use (if such a version were developed).
|-
| CPU || Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 || Intel i7 / Ryzen 7
|-
| RAM || 8 GB || 16 GB
|-
| GPU || NVIDIA RTX 2060 / 3050 || NVIDIA RTX 3070 / 2080
|}


==Technical Innovations==
=== GPU Note ===
===CloudXR Integration===
NVIDIA GPUs required; AMD drivers not currently supported.
Streaming MR capabilities:
*'''NVIDIA CloudXR''': RTX server rendering
*'''5G Support''': Ultra-low latency streaming
*'''Edge Computing''': Local cloud deployment
*'''Multi-User''': Synchronized MR sessions


===AI-Enhanced Processing===
== Package Contents ==
Machine learning throughout:
*'''[[Passthrough]] Enhancement''': AI upscaling and denoising
*'''[[Hand Tracking]]''': Neural network gesture recognition
*'''[[Eye Tracking]]''': Predictive gaze estimation
*'''[[SLAM]]''': ML-assisted tracking robustness


===Optics Engineering===
=== Not Included ===
*'''Dual-Element Lenses''': Reduced aberrations
* SteamVR Base Stations
*'''Coating Technology''': 99.5% light transmission
* Controllers
*'''Edge-to-Edge Clarity''': <2% distortion at edges
* Accessories
*'''Pancake Design''': Considered but rejected for quality


==Manufacturing Excellence==
=== Included ===
===Helsinki Production===
* Varjo Aero headset
In-house manufacturing advantages:
* Cables
*'''Quality Control''': 100% optical calibration
* Face gaskets
*'''Lead Time''': 5-day average shipping
*'''Customization''': OEM versions available
*'''Sustainability''': Carbon neutral facility


===Component Partners===
== Use Cases ==
*'''Display Panels''': BOE (custom Mini-LED)
*'''[[Camera]]s''': Sony (IMX sensors)
*'''[[LiDAR]]''': Proprietary Varjo design
*'''[[Lense]]s''': ZEISS (coating technology)


==Competitive Landscape==
=== Simulation ===
===Versus Apple Vision Pro===
* Flight simulation
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher virtual resolution, PC-powered performance for demanding applications, established professional ecosystem, potentially more robust tracking for certain professional use cases.
* Racing simulation
* Training applications


'''Vision Pro Advantages''': Standalone operation, advanced consumer-facing OS and apps, highly integrated hand/eye tracking for its interface.
=== Professional ===
===Versus Meta Quest Pro/3===
* Design visualization
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Significantly higher resolution, professional-grade tools and support, superior passthrough fidelity (especially Focal Edition).
* Architecture
* Engineering


'''Quest Advantages''': Standalone, much lower price, larger consumer content library.
=== Research ===
===Versus HTC Vive XR Elite===
* Eye tracking studies
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher resolution, generally superior passthrough quality, more advanced eye tracking.
* User research
* Academic applications


'''Vive Advantages''': Standalone option, lower price point.
== Specifications ==


==Future Roadmap==
{| class="wikitable"
While not officially announced, industry sources suggest:
|-
*Standalone version in development
! Specification !! Details
*Wireless adapter planned for 2025
|-
*8K per eye displays in testing
| Display || Dual Mini LED LCD
*AI copilot for enterprise applications
|-
| Resolution || 2880 x 2720 per eye
|-
| PPD || 35 (peak fidelity)
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| FOV || 115°
|-
| Eye Tracking || 200 Hz
|-
| IPD || Automatic
|-
| Color || 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR (external)
|-
| Weight || ~500g
|-
| Price || $1,990
|-
| Status || '''Discontinued'''
|}


==Impact on Industry==
== See Also ==
*The XR-4's launch influenced the mixed reality landscape:
* [[Varjo]]
*Set a new benchmark for professional MR features at its price point.
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
*Reinforced the demand for 50+ PPD for detailed professional use.
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
*Accelerated inside-out tracking adoption in the professional space.
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
*Validated the no-subscription model for enterprise hardware.
* [[Professional VR]]
*Technologies popularized:
* [[Eye tracking]]
*Gaze-driven autofocus for XR (Focal Edition).
*20MP+ passthrough cameras.
*300k+ point LiDAR integration.
*Uniform high-PPD displays.


==See Also==
== References ==
*[[Mixed reality]]
{{Reflist}}
*[[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
*[[Varjo XR-3]]
*[[Varjo Aero]]
*[[Apple Vision Pro]]
*[[LiDAR]]
*[[Inside-out tracking]]
*[[Foveated rendering]]
*[[TAA compliance]]
 
==References==
<references>
<ref name="varjo-announcement">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-releases-new-xr-4-series-to-deliver-mixed-reality-experiences-indistinguishable-from-natural-sight/|title=Varjo Releases New XR-4 Series to Deliver Mixed Reality Experiences Indistinguishable from Natural Sight|publisher=Varjo|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/27/finnish-startup-varjo-launches-3990-xr-4-mixed-reality-headset.html|title=Finnish startup Varjo launches $3,990 XR-4 mixed reality headset|publisher=CNBC|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="skarredghost">{{cite web|url=https://skarredghost.com/2023/11/27/varjo-xr-4-price-resolution/|title=Varjo announces XR-4 mixed reality headset with impressive resolution|publisher=The Ghost Howls|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="auganix">{{cite web|url=https://www.auganix.org/xr-news-varjo-announces-new-xr-4-series-of-headsets/|title=Varjo announces new XR-4 series headsets|publisher=Auganix|date=November 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-xr4-product">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products/xr-4/|title=Mixed Reality Headset for Professionals – Varjo XR-4 Series|publisher=Varjo|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-secure">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products/xr-4-secure-edition/|title=Mixed reality headset with TAA certification – Varjo XR-4 Secure Edition|publisher=Varjo|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-autofocus">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/vr-lab/xr-4-features-explained-worlds-first-gaze-driven-xr-autofocus-camera-system/|title=XR-4 Features Explained: World's First Gaze-Driven XR Autofocus Camera System|publisher=Varjo|date=2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
</references>


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:MR Headsets]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2023]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Professional VR]]
[[Category:Eye tracking]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Discontinued products]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]

Revision as of 22:15, 7 January 2026

Varjo Aero
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR (Professional)
Platform PC, SteamVR
Creator Varjo
Price $1,990
Website https://varjo.com
System
CPU Host PC dependent
GPU NVIDIA RTX 2060+ (min) / RTX 3070+ (rec)
Storage
Display
Display Dual Mini LED LCD
Resolution 5760 x 2720 (2880 x 2720 per eye)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (SteamVR base stations)
Eye Tracking Yes (200 Hz)
Audio
Microphone Yes
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
Ports DisplayPort, USB, audio
Device
Weight ~500g
Sensors Eye tracking cameras
Input SteamVR controllers


The Varjo Aero is a professional-grade PC VR head-mounted display developed by Varjo, a Finnish company specializing in high-end XR hardware. Released in 2021 at $1,990 (subsequently discontinued in favor of the XR-4 series), the Aero brought Varjo's professional-grade visual fidelity to a broader audience with 2880 x 2720 resolution per eye on Mini LED LCD panels achieving 35 pixels per degree peak fidelity. The headset features variable resolution aspheric lenses for edge-to-edge clarity, 200 Hz eye tracking for automatic IPD adjustment and foveated rendering, 115-degree field of view, and calibrated color accuracy covering 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3. The Aero requires SteamVR base stations for tracking.[1]

History and Development

Professional Heritage

Varjo brought technology from their enterprise VR-3 and XR-3 headsets to a prosumer price point.

2021 Release

Released as Varjo's first headset targeting professional consumers and sim enthusiasts.

Discontinuation

Varjo Aero has been discontinued in favor of the XR-4 series.

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Panel Type: Dual Mini LED LCD
  • Resolution: 2880 x 2720 per eye (5760 x 2720 total)
  • Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
  • Brightness: 150 nits (calibrated)
  • PPD: 35 pixels per degree peak

Color Calibration

  • sRGB: 99% coverage
  • DCI-P3: 95% coverage
  • Factory color calibration

Field of View

115 degrees horizontal.

Optics

  • Type: Variable resolution aspheric lenses
  • Advantage: Crystal-clear edge-to-edge clarity
  • Comparison: Major improvement over consumer Fresnel optics

Eye Tracking

Specifications

  • Tracking Rate: 200 Hz
  • Integration: Ultra-fast built-in system

Features

  • Automatic IPD adjustment
  • Dynamic foveated rendering
  • Application performance optimization
  • Gaze-based interaction

Tracking

SteamVR Tracking

  • Requires SteamVR Base Stations (2.0 recommended, 1.0 supported)
  • 6 degrees of freedom
  • External outside-in tracking

Controllers

  • Not included
  • Compatible with SteamVR controllers (Index, Vive)

Comfort

Design Features

  • Premium lightweight construction
  • 3-point precision fit headband
  • Active cooling system
  • Optimized ergonomics for extended use

Weight

Approximately 500 grams with balanced distribution.

System Requirements

Component Minimum Recommended
OS Windows 10 Windows 10/11
CPU Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 Intel i7 / Ryzen 7
RAM 8 GB 16 GB
GPU NVIDIA RTX 2060 / 3050 NVIDIA RTX 3070 / 2080

GPU Note

NVIDIA GPUs required; AMD drivers not currently supported.

Package Contents

Not Included

  • SteamVR Base Stations
  • Controllers
  • Accessories

Included

  • Varjo Aero headset
  • Cables
  • Face gaskets

Use Cases

Simulation

  • Flight simulation
  • Racing simulation
  • Training applications

Professional

  • Design visualization
  • Architecture
  • Engineering

Research

  • Eye tracking studies
  • User research
  • Academic applications

Specifications

Specification Details
Display Dual Mini LED LCD
Resolution 2880 x 2720 per eye
PPD 35 (peak fidelity)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
FOV 115°
Eye Tracking 200 Hz
IPD Automatic
Color 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
Tracking SteamVR (external)
Weight ~500g
Price $1,990
Status Discontinued

See Also

References